Today's Talk: Gwyneth Paltrow 'Most Beautiful,' Shows Off Body At 'Iron Man 3' Premiere

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Gwyneth Paltrow says she doesn't agree with her new "World's Most Beautiful Woman" label, bestowed upon her by People Magazine.

Apparently, she's not the only one.

As TV 10-55's Amy Dardashtian reported Thursday, folks in Union Square didn't all agree with the Oscar-winning, cookbook writing star.

"She's a little dated, maybe, for my taste," one man said.

But being declared "the most beautiful woman in the world" by People Magazine is vindication for the "Iron Man 3" actress.

She has been described in some tabloids and blogs as seemingly self-righteous, and even annoying when discussing her lifestyle and parenting choices. The tabloid Star magazine went so far as to crown her "the Most Hated."

Amid the trash talk, Paltrow walked the red carpet at Wednesday night's "Iron Man 3" premiere in a daring ensemble -- showing off the body that's supposedly the most beautiful in the world.

"It's a very controversial cover and I think People Magazine likes to stir the pot each year. And this year, they certainly achieved that," entertainment columnist Rob Shuter told CBS 2's Cindy Hsu on Thursday.

Controversy translates into sales. As Hsu reported, apparently some people find the 40-year-old wife of a rock star a bit preachy with her cookbook filled with a strict, expensive diet and her commitment of working out two hours every day.

"Gwyneth Paltrow has a lot of opinions on how we should live our lives, and I think this is what upsets people," Shuter said.

At the premiere of "Iron Man 3," Paltrow talked about being named the World's Most Beautiful Woman.

"It's funny, these things, because it's like obviously not true. But it's very sweet to be named that," the actress said.

Her co-star Robert Downey, Jr. described his reaction to seeing the People cover.

"I thought wow, that's good for business," the actor told reporters on the red carpet.

Paltrow has said the scrutiny, and the unkind words, simply come with being a celebrity.

Public relations expert Richard Auletta agreed.

"It's the nature of our society — we put people up on a pillar, and as soon as they're up there, we try to take them down," Auletta said. "Gwyneth Paltrow is a strong personality, and she's willing to take stands on things, and that is uncomfortable for some people."

Paltrow's fans described her as a smart, talented, classy woman, worthy of the honor.

"I think she's gorgeous," said tourist Samantha Hill.

Reaction to Paltrow's honor was mixed among New Yorkers, CBS 2's Hsu found.

"She is very attractive and she has a great body, that she can fit into anything," Upper West Side resident Anita Gregorian said.

"As usual, she kind of just is reaffirming our norms of beauty: blond, blue eyes, porcelain. I mean, it's just the same thing over and over, which is some of the backlash that I've kind of heard," Crown Heights resident Sabine Maura said.

"She's pretty, but is she the world's prettiest? My wife is the world's prettiest!" Upper West Sider Edwin DeAsis remarked.

"She looks like she's having a good time being a mom," added tourist Jonalyn Arao.

Currently on Broadway in the musical "Nice Work If You Can Get It" is Paltrow's mother, Blythe Danner. CBS 2 caught up with her at the stage door on Wednesday night.

"She certainly didn't get it from me," Danner said. "She got the cheekbones from her dad."

Danner continued: "It's lovely. She's a great actress; a great mom; a terrific, wonderful person; creative being. She can do anything."

People will find out whether they made the right choice when sales figures for the issue are released. The magazine with Paltrow on the cover hits newsstands Friday.

The issue also includes Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Lawrence, Kerry Washington and Jane Fonda.